Month: July 2016

As an Insurance Agent who has been in the industry for any length of time, I have seen trends come and go; one that recently caught my attention was how significantly “dress” has changed for those who travel! Apparently, there was a recently incident involving a JetBlue passenger whose clothing was too scant for the liking of the gate agent! Although the issue was resolved with the passenger purchasing pajamas, for which she was reimbursed, and a $200 credit toward her ticket provided, the situation certainly poses the question of whether our travel attire – or perhaps lack thereof – has gotten out of control!

So… I just had to do a look back to a time when it was a part of traveling – getting to purchase the clothing appropriate for the occasion. I looked at the 1950’s because I was sure there was a distinct variance, but thought it best to begin in the 1960’s – a period of time in which I actually experienced travel fashion. No sweatpants or leggings worn as pants; suits and hats brought a certain touch of class and civility to a journey.

Fast forward to the 1970’s and although we had some crazy bell-bottoms and shorter skirts adorned flight staff, it appears the standard dress for travelers was still the smart, black tie attire. “Casual” trended mightily during the 1908’s; power suits, shoulder pads, and double-breasted blazers were out; high-waisted, acid-wash jeans more the norm.

We also lost the tiny, pre-wrapped soaps, bad airplane food has been replaced with little to no food on most flights, pillows and blankets were in vast supply and luggage were not a separate, exorbitant charge! Over-sized luggage was not considered, and Tylenol dispensed by short-skirted attendants was not a litigious act; you could pack whatever you wanted, liquids sloshed around at will, and the little plastic aviator wings were cherished! But lest I digress… we were on the topic of travel attire!

The 1990’s brought about a resurgence of class… according to books of the time, “Global Business Etiquette: A Guide To International Communication And Customs” by Jeanette S. Martin and Lillian H. Chaney,” and “International Business Etiquette: Europe,” by Ann Sabath, the importance of chick clothing and makeup, tailored look with minimal accessories were the new norm for women travelers.

TravelSmith was a company that changed the face of women’s travel clothing… providing lightweight, packable and wrinkle-resistant, as great options for a cruise or safari, or simply for everyday comfort. A far cry from the shapeless garments we see today, travelers shopped for wrinkle-free, indispensable & reversible travel dresses, stylish tunic tops, lightweight sweaters, wraps, vests, pant sets, waterproof rain gear, and a robust selection of pants, shorts, skirts and swimwear, comfortable intimates and sleepwear, shoes and other accessories designed for travel. Function won out!

Today… I truly believe “comfort” takes the front as we see wide-leg jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts and footwear that assuages the fuss and fury of going through security! Are we teetering on the edge of public indecency with scant clothing? Do companies like JetBlue have not only the right but the responsibility to rely on their written contractual language relative to “Refusal to Transport” to include “Refusal or removal [of a passenger] may be necessary… fo a person… whose clothing is lewd, obscene, or patently offensive?” Aside from the “look” of travel attire, which may always test us, editor, David Jeffreys, brings up a great question of the safety of short shorts and what he called, “peek-a-boo glutes.” His contention is the morality issue is a far cry from the lack of safety in wearing bedroom slippers and flip flops that might not allow for quick, safe exit from a plane, or the slick, shiny fabrics used to construct sports ware that is known to quickly melt in a fire… all reasons to resort to prudent thinking, if not social acceptability, when choosing comfort, protection and far less potential to offend!

Myself? Well, I have to say, “There is just something to be said about a woman who “dresses to the nines” for travel!” It speaks of elegance, being evolved, and maybe even “respecting the glamour” of travel. This standard would only call for putting in a little effort, especially since first impressions DO count, and whether it is a fellow passenger who might be impressed enough to follow up with a business potential – or, heaven forbid – you should have to wear what you have on once you arrive at your final destination. There has to be a middle ground between looking good, and easily getting through security, managing the distance between gates, and being comfortable on long flights. We just have to rethink of the gap between pajamas and formal wear!

But, if your clothes prevent you from getting past security swiftly, booking it to your gate, or sitting comfortably for long, extended flights… well, then, you’ve just got to rethink!

Arizona communities, Arizona scenic attractions… we would be remiss to not bring to your attention the Tumacacori National Historical Park located south of Tucson, Arizona. The site was established to preserve the ruins of three Spanish missions in southern Arizona.

Considered the two oldest missions in the state, San José de Tumacácori and Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi were established in 1691. The third mission, San Cayetano de Calabazas, followed in 1756 but was abandoned in 1848 due to Apache raids, neglect, and a terrible winter. Arizona cherishes its history, and as such Tumacácori became a national monument in 1908, with two Spanish missions, Guevavi and Calabazas, added in 1990.

The site of a Pima Indian village in north Mexico, the settlement has been dated to at least the early 17th century when European visitor, Spanish Jesuit priest, Eusebio Kino, founded the mission about 18 miles north of Nogales alongside the Santa Cruz River. He added a similar site at nearby Guevavi shortly after, but an Indian revolt in 1751 forced the relocation to the present site on the west bank of the river. It was during this relocation the site was named Mission San José de Tumacácori, and the already modest collection of buildings welcomed the construction of a small church.

Political change throughout the Spanish empire saw Jesuits replaced by Franciscans in 1768, which change brought about additional improvements, buildings, redecorating and transferring the headquarters from Guevavi. This proved to be short and bittersweet as the site followed the path of Calabazas by being abandoned following attacks by Apache Indians. Credit is given to the Franciscan Catholics, who in 1800 began constructing a new, grand church at Tumacácori… a task that expanded over 20 years and lasting as a viable mission only until 1828 when the Mexican government forced all Spanish settlers to leave the country. The final closure occurred following the end of the Mexican-American war in 1848, and subsequently became US property in 1853 when the land just south of the Gila River was transferred to Arizona during the Gadsden Purchase.

I was quite saddened to learn Tumacácori is one of the 20 least visited national parks and monuments in the West. I can well imagine the essence of our state’s history as visitors enter through the large wooden door set into the wall… sensing the distinct contrast to the cool, dark and somewhat gloomy visitor center to the bright blue sky and searing heat waiting outside. The center houses a great selection of local interest books, video presentations, a museum and a walking tour of the site. Visitors get an up-close and personal feel of the interlinked rooms, open doorways and enclosed courtyard garden touting lush trees and Sonoran desert plants.

Perhaps visitation is diminished because the word is out that the church is actually 200 feet away… visitors have to walk across hot, bare soil. Once having made that hot trek, however, they will find the effects of history and mother nature left little of the original interior, and will view a stabilized, preserved facility, whose restoration was begun in the 1920s. Here they will find the walk was well worth the effort, and will embrace a cool, dark interior that is at once authentic and evocative! They will experience the rooms used for the baptistry, sacristy, and sanctuary, and find themselves before the locked staircase that leads the the belltower, which just happens to be the only part not completed as the project ran short of funds. The tour concludes with a view of the granary, mortuary and cemetery, although no original graves appear to have been identified.

Should you decide to make this one of your stopping spots, you will find a beautiful setting, and verification that historically there was far more involvement between the Church and local Native people than just the missions to California. You will also get the sense how the surrounding brutality of the desert,and the imminent danger of the Apaches, the area would have been, at best, very difficult to colonize.

In Arizona, you have to prove that you are financially responsible before you can register your vehicle. Many people opt for auto insurance as a means of proof because it is an affordable way to show responsibility. It is important that you are responsible and have your vehicle insured in the event that you are involved in a car accident or other road hazards.

The Roads are Dangerous

Even though you may be a careful driver, others can be reckless on the road. If someone hits you and propels you into another vehicle, your insurance is likely to pay for that vehicle’s damage. Later, you may receive a judgement against the person who hit you, but you will be responsible for the one you hit regardless of fault.

It’s All Your Fault

Accidents can happen at any time. If the accident was your fault, you will have to pay for the other person’s vehicle repairs as well as any physical injuries. Medical bills and car damages can cost thousands of dollars. With a good insurance policy, you may not have to pay a large sum out of your own pocket.

Car Trouble

If you’re not a mechanic, it will be hard to predict mechanical problems with your car. Some auto policies can cover you if you need roadside assistance. Your coverage may even be good enough that your vehicle can be towed locally for free.

Acts of Nature

Some auto policies can cover natural weather-related incidents. Hailstorms, lightening, tornado, and hurricanes are examples of natural acts that may be covered. Check with your independent insurance agents at Lifetime Investments to make sure that you are covered for acts of nature that may cause damage to your vehicle.

In Mesa, Arizona, the agents at Lifetime Investments can help you with your current or new auto policy.

Focusing on Arizona communities does not mean we have to stay close to home! Arizona is one of those states where scenic attractions abound; we could reside here forever and partake of its natural beauty and never tire of it. One of the most well-known attractions in the United States just happens to be in Arizona – the spectacular Grand Canyon!

It is an expansive and incredible landscape that has been intricately carved by the equally fascinating Colorado River – as it seeks to claim the power of nature and stand behind the wonders it creates. With canyon walls that glow in myriad colors in mid-afternoon, the sun shares its orange, red, yellow and most every shade in between. The canyon is a majestic play of variance; while most visitors see the canyon from the South Rim, where they partake of lookout areas and walkways running along its edges, the North Rim is a totally different view, and the road is closed in winter. Closer views from every perspective are possible through hiking down into the canyon or taking helicopter flights over and through nature’s pathway.

Let’s have the facts…

The Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona; much larger in scope than I believe most people imagine! It measures over 270 miles and in places is up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. If you are fascinated by geography, you will find its walls reveal rock layers that represent Earth’s history. The ruins and artifacts, which date back roughly 12,000 years show human use and occupation for millennia. First afforded Federal protection as a Forest Reserve and later as a National Monument 1n 1893, having been a favorite of trappers and trader expeditions in the early 1800s. National Park status was achieved in 1919. According to various statistics floating around, today our beautiful Grand Canyon National Park encompasses more than 1 million acres of land and receives close to 5 million visitors each year.

According to history sites, the Grand Canyon is… “a cultural landscape that has been lived in, traveled through, feared, marveled at, exploited for profit, utilized for education, and praised as inspiration by a diverse array of people over a very long time.” It has… “influenced American science, art, environmental values, popular culture, tourism, and leisure. It provided life and salt for Native Americans, thwarted early Spanish explorers, confounded prospectors and evoked poetry from the pens of scientists.”
(Source: http://grandcanyonhistory.clas.asu.edu/)

There is more… so much more to learn about this great scenic attraction! You might want to spend some time on the ASU site: http://grandcanyonhistory.clas.asu.edu/archives.html

It was the simplest thing. You saw the car of your dreams and a couple hours later it is parked in your driveway. All you had to do was hand over the aging vehicle that saw you through college, write a check and called the insurance company to transfer the coverage. Done. However, before you take the new luxury sedan out for a weekend celebration, you might want to check on your auto insurance coverage.

It’s Not a Budget Car Anymore

Back when you purchased the little hatchback, you were counting every penny in the bank. You may have opted for the minimum coverage and elected not to include all the extras. That worked for you while you were eating noodle soup and pizza. However, the new sunroof, leather seats and navigation system in the new ride all would require more than a few dollars to replace if you were in an accident.

What About the New Condo?

If you were in an accident in the new vehicle and people were injured, does your auto insurance policy provide enough coverage under medical payments to take care of a hospital stay for you or the injured party? If you leave coverage at the bare minimums, any extra medical expenses would come out of your pocket. Do you have enough cash in the bank to protect other newer investments such as a house or condo?

Be the Responsible Adult

It will only take a few minutes to give the agents at Lifetime Investments a call and review your current auto insurance policy. They will take the time to discuss all your current and future obligations and provide you with the knowledge to select the best policy that will protect the new car.